✈︎ Travelling With a Urostomy ✈︎

Since my urostomy surgery nearly five years ago I’ve learned that not only are we different as people so are: our reactions to having one, the appliances we use, the number of times we change them, exactly where our stomas are placed, how and what clothes we wear in order to feel comfortable with our stoma and the products and services available to help us.

I’m a solo traveller. I typically go away for about five weeks at a time, partly on tours and partly independently. I’m not especially adventurous but my travels have included places and experiences that some people might consider unusual, exotic or even a bit Spartan – The Galapagos, Borneo, The Amazon and Ganges Rivers, Central Asia, PNG and the Australian Outback among them. I’ve tried snorkelling on a couple of trips. I’m not very good at it but I can’t blame my stoma for that! I wouldn’t recommend sleeping in a yurt if must have a soft bed and I wouldn’t recommend some of the washboard roads in the Kimberley or Kazakistan if you like the comfort of a 4 star coach but I’m grateful for the experiences.

I’m a retired 75 year old male. My travel was comparatively limited before I retired so I’m making up for it now. I have a history of kidney stones so I drink a lot of water, a good idea if you have a stoma anyway. However drinking a lot means emptying a lot!

I’m still learning but here’s what I’ve learnt through trial and error and from other people. What works for me may not suit you.

PLAN AHEAD

Stocktake stoma supplies: I work out what I currently have, what I’ll use before departure and and what I’ll need to last me through the trip and for two weeks after I return. I order accordingly at least a month before you leaving time to top up anything I may have missed.

A Travel Certificate: It’s not essential (I’ve never had to show mine), but I carry one in case I’m pressed by Security or Airline staff. Lately I’ve seen attendants weighing some people’s carry-on luggage.

You can download a form from Coloplast or Hollister. You don’t have to use their products. It should be signed by a doctor or nurse. Click on this link then + Travel Certificates for further links to any one of 14 different language versions.

Sunflower Lanyard: Sunflower Lanyards are free. I got mine at the airport. They indicate the wearer has a hidden disability. It allows access to dedicated Security lanes tat some airports. I don’t rely on it, but I always wear it at airports. On one occasion, it helped me regain an aisle seat after a flight disruption. On another, it allowed me to access the toilet when the seatbelt sign was on. This link on the Stoma NSW site, provides more information including where to get one. Sunflower Lanyard (Click the link, then scroll down).

Know where to get emergency supplies: I don’t take paper tickets but I do take a printed list of suppliers and contact details for my stoma products. I’ve never needed it—but I know someone whose supplies were stolen while travelling.

These suppliers have lists on their website:

– B.Braun have a drop down menu of 62 countries

– Coloplast have a link to download a pdf of their 43 local offices

– Convetec have the details of 84 o.global ffices

– Dansac list offices in about 45 countries

– Hollister lists distributors on about 47 countries

 – Salts Australia and Salts U.K both have links though the U.K. one is more extensive. You can also contact their Australian office for assistance.

Links to Product Suppliers are listed in the footer of the NSW Stoma website (i.e. this site).

Access matters: I need to empty my bag regularly – especially when inactive. I sit in an aisle seat on both planes and trains whenever I possibly can.

Try new things before you travel: If you’re considering a leg bag, a new appliance or accessory try it at home first. Most suppliers are keen to send samples.

Changing the stoma bag: I change my stoma bag about every four days at home and always in the morning, before I drink water of coffee. When travelling might change my stoma bag a day before a long flight or the morning of an afternoon or evening flight. This gives a fresh seal with some confidence it’s secure.

PACKING FOR TRIP

Check Lists: I used checklists are essential. I keep mine on my phone. I calculate what I need, then add at least 50% more. (Some people double it.) It’s easy to forget small but critical items like remover wipes or connectors.

Hand luggage: Even at home I have an ‘emergency kit’ consisting of a small bag with – 1 or 2 stoma bags, adhesive remover (spray or wipes), a couple of barrier wipes, one or two small microfibre hand towels, a packet of wet wipes and a card to fan-dry skin. On walks, excursions and travel I also carry an empty plastic juice bottle for emergencies (handy once on one a pristine and remote island!

Most of time I just don’t sleep much on a plane. But I go prepared on long haul flights. I have a stoma overnight bag or leg bag handy with a sturdy plastic bag, for discretion and storage.

Carry-on luggage: All my stoma supplies come with me on the plane, including my travel certificate mentioned earlier in an outer pocket.

I take a light change of clothes in case of a leak but I would do that anyway just in case my check-in luggage went astray.

If I still used cut to fit bags I’d pre cut them all beforehand.

Keep it light: I remove excess packaging and use zip-lock bags to organise supplies.

However, medications should remain in original packaging.

GETTING READY FOR FLIGHTS OR A TRAIN TRIP

Reduce leak risk: While leaks are rare, prevention is key, especially during long journeys.

Flanges: I apply flanges (also called extenders), to reinforce the seal between the appliance and skin. This linked page has a video showing how to apply and remove them.

Seals: Seals can be used instead of or alongside flanges. They act like a washer, improving the seal. There are two ways to apply them –

•  to your stoma bag base first

•  directly to your skin (you can also tear or cut the ring as in the first video clip)

I’ve heard stoma nurses advise people to use the same brand of flange or seal as their usual stoma bag, especially if they have is sensitive skin.

Support Belts: I normally wear a stoma support belt for a while after putting on a new stoma bag but even more so when I’m travelling. Don’t worry, as I used to, the support belt won’t restrict urine flow even if worn firmly.

Pockets: I wear a vest or jacket with a number of pockets to the airport for phone, keys, wallet, handkerchief etc. mainly to make it easier going through Security. I put my sunflower lanyard on and tuck most of it into my shirt.

No Belt: I wear trousers that don’t need a belt, saving time at Security. I lost a belt at security once.

Practical shoes: I try to strike a balance between wearing the shoes that take up the most space in my luggage and ones that are easy to take off at Security if needed. Slip-ons or just loosely laced hiking sneakers are also comfortable to wear on the plane.

AT THE AIRPORT:

I arrive early and take my time:

•  I drop off my check-in luggage, go to the toilet , empty my stoma bag and remove my support belt.
• I drink or empty any water in my water bottle and get ready for security before I leave the departures hall.
• I’ve never had a problem carrying spray remover but make sure it’s easy to get to just in case.
• I check all pockets and ensure it’s all in my vest or carry-on luggage. Same for sunglasses, caps, belts etc. I usually carry my passport.

As of late 2025, most security checkpoints at Sydney Airport have upgraded to CT scanners, allowing laptops, tablets, and aerosols to stay inside your bag but check they are easy to get out just in case you you need to them out.

At Security: I put my vest and hand luggage in one of the airport security tubs, ready for the scanners. You may have to take shoes off too. My carry-on case goes in another tub.

The new new security scanners usually detect stoma bags. I tell the staff member what it is and usually show them part of it. They might apply a gentle pat down and /or a swab, either by touching you lightly with a ‘wand’ or asking you to touch your appliance area then swab your hands. They then test the swab for evidence of explosives. You can request to go to a private room. I never have but for any number of reasons you may take up the option. I’ve never had a problem with staff but if you do, ask for a supervisor.

Some people travelling to a non-english speaking country have a short printed statement indicating they wear a stoma bag translated into the local language.

Before Boarding: I like to locate my boarding gate leaving time to replenish my water bottle and grab a coffee or bite to eat.

I empty stoma bag again just before boarding, reducing the likelihood of needing to get up during turbulence.

I have seen people use the toilet onboard while the plane is still on the tarmac so not all is lost if you forgot

I usually put my support belt back on but not as firmly as usual.

ON THE PLANE OR TRAIN

Stay Hydrated: I keep hydrated but avoid drinking too much. My stoma bag seems to fill quickly when I’m sedentary.

Empty Often: It is advised to empty a stoma stoma bag when it is one-third to one-half full so I empty often. That’s a lot better than causing it to pull away from the skin leading to a leak. I keep my emergency pack within easy reach and cover with a hand towel quickly if I sense a leak.

Sleeping: I rarely sleep for very long on planes but if it’s a long haul over night flight and I’m tired I’ll hook up a stoma overnight bag or use a leg bag like you would an overnight bag. I put it in that thick plastic bag so it’s a more discrete.

You could just set your phone alarm for two or three hours after each empty.

If using an overnight bag, I empty it before final descent.

Remember a Sunflower Lanyard indicates you may need help. My experience is that flight attendants really like that part of their job.

ON TOUR

I usually don’t inform the tour leader about my stoma but I have a couple of times. One time was before going through Security at the Taj Mahal. I was more concerned about my emergency kit than my appliance. I was glad I did!

Plan ahead but adapt as needed: If I have a really early departure during your trip I may decide to change my stoma bag a day earlier so I don’t have the worry or rush. I apply flanges before long flights, hiking, concerts and shows when I’ll be sitting for an extended time.

The stoma overnight bag: At home I hang the stoma overnight bag in the bathroom but not when I travel. I fold it and store it in the thick plastic bag’.

At night, after attaching it to my stoma bag, I put it in the plastic bag and then in a small bin (even the yurts I’ve stayed in had one). The plastic bag acts as a bit of a bin liner. Another idea is to tuck part of the plastic bag under the mattress so it hangs there in or just over a bin.

Protecting bedding: I’ve read in online support groups questions about taking something to protect bedding in case of leaks. You can, but it takes up space and adds weight to your luggage. If concerned I double check that my stoma bag and connector is secure. Assuming a bag change isn’t needed, but you’re worried try using the hotel towel creatively!

Keep stoma supplies safe: I know of stoma supplies being stolen from a hotel room. Unlike Australia, many countries don’t subsidise them, let alone fully fund them. I lock my supplies in my suitcase, a particularly good habit if visiting developing countries where stoma supplies bring a high price.

Finally: If there’s something you enjoyed doing before you woke up in hospital with a stoma you can probably still do it.

Terry Miller

2026

go!